Water softener



Nov. 29, 1932. E. T. wAHLBoM ET AL 1,889,231

WATER soFTENEn Original Filed June 14, 1929 5 Sheets-5h69?l 1 NOV 29, 1932- E. T. wAHLBoM ET AL 1,889,231

WATER SOFTENER- Original Filed Jupe 14, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l ll//// -\\\\\\liiiii W Nov. 29, 1932K. E. T. WAHLBM ET L 1,889,231

WATER SOFTENER Original Filed June 14, 1929 3 vSheets-Sheet 3 Patented Nov. 29, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT 'OFFICE ERNEST T. WAHLBOM, LEROY C. LIND, AND PHILIP C. WAHLBOM, OF ROCXFOR'IID,

ILLINOS WATER SOFTENER Application led .Tune 14, 1929, Serial No. 370,758. Renewed February 23, 1932.

The invention relates generally to water softeners, with more particular reference to softeners of the type employing a zeolitic material or mineral in the softenlng process,

and has as its aim the production of a water softener which requires no skill or technical experience on the part of the operator.

An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved softener of this character which is substantially automatic in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a water softening system in which the change from the softening to the regenerating cycle and viceversa may be entirely contJrolled and effected by a single control mem- In connection with the foregoing, a further object resides in the provision of a valve unit arranged to control and direct the flow of water and brine during the softening or regenerating cycles, which valve embodies a single operating means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a meansby which the flow of water to the. distributing system supplied by the water softener may continue uninterruptedly during the regenerating cycle of the water softener.

Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of a new and improved means for accurately determining the amount and strength of the brine solution delivered to the zeolitic material during the regenerating cycle.

A further object is to provide a means for delivering Water to the zeolitic mineral whereby an even distribution of the iow through the material is obtained.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1, is a front elevation of a water .softening system embodying the present invention. i

Fig. 2 is a side elevation looking from the right hand side of Fig. l.

Fig.'3 is a plan view of the same.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus illustrating in particular the pipe connections as they appear from the rear side thereof.

Figs. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a yrear elevation of the valve respectively. y

Fig. 7 is a transverse section of the valve taken substantially along the lines 7--7 of Fig. 6 showing the valve in one operative position thereof.

Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the valve in the cut-off position.

Fig. 9- is a transverse section taken substantially along the lines 9-9 of Fig. 6 showing the valve in the position corresponding to the position illustrated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a similar view showing the valve set for a position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a transverse section of the valve similar to the section shown in Figs. 7 and 8, and illustrating the position of the valve during another operative cycle.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical central section through the valve taken substantially along the lines 12-12 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 13 is a transverse section of the valve similar to the sections shown in Figs. 9 and l() illustrating the position of the valve duringTthe operative cycle shown in Fig. 11.

ig. 14 is a fragmentary detail of the upper portion of the zeolitic tank showing the strainer in partial section.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the water distributor.

Figs. 16 and 17 are enlargedplan and elevational details of the valve for controlling the liquid flow to and from the brine tank.

Fig. y18 is an enlarged central section of a portion of the distributor illustrated in Fig. l5.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, we have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that we do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

p stituents in the water removed. Inasmuch as the zeolitic mineral will only remove a certain amount of the water hardemng constituents, 1t becomes necessary from time to v time to regenerate the zeolite. This action comprises the regeneration cycle and is effected by passing a brine solution through the zeolitic bed.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, of the drawmgs, 20 indicates generally an upright tank which contains a bed of zeoltic mineral. The tank 20 is supported upon a suitable base 21 which preferably is of suiiicient size to accommodate a second or brine tank 22. The zeolite containing tank or, as it will hereinafter be termed, the softening tank is of the upflow type; that is, the hard raw water enters the bottom of the tank through a pipe or conduit 23, flows upwardly of the tank through the bed of zeolite and is withdrawn from the top .of the tank through a pipe 24.

It has been found in softeners of the upflow type that if the flow'of incoming Water is restricted to a small area at the base of the mineral bed, or even if it is distributed from several spaced points at the bottom of the bed, there is a tendency of the up'flowing water to follow the lines of least resistance and in time to cut channels through the bed of the mineral. Obviously, this is disadvantageous inasmuch as the water cannot come into intimatev contact with the entire bed of the material. Thus, the efficiency of the softening cycle is materially diminished, and regeneration ofthe zeolite becomes more frequently necessary.

To overcome these disadvantages, a distributing meansis provided in the bottom of the distributing tank by which the flow of water is directed evenly against the base of the zeolite bed with even and uniform pressure throughout the ent-ire area. Referring to Figs. 2, 15, and 18, this means is shown y in the form of a spirally coiled ldistributor pipe 25 disposed transversely in the base of the softening tank 20. The distributor pipe 25 is preferably formed of hard rubber, or the like, and is closed at one end, the other end bein arranged for connection to the inlet end oft e ipe'23. Y

At spaced intervals along the lateral sides of the distributor pipe, a plurality of apertures 26 are provided which preferably extend angularly through the coil, as shown in Fig. 18, to open towards the iiow of water through the coil. Thus, water will be injected into the tank 20 from the distributor coil at numerous points and, being discharged angularly, has a circular rotating motion in the bottom of the softening tank, whereby the water pressure is evenly distributed and the water ows uniformly upwardly through the zeolite bed.

A strainer is provided at the outlet end of the pipe 24 for separating the zeolitic mineral and other foreign substance from the water before it passes from the tank. In Fig. 14 a preferred form of strainer is shown as comprising a pipe 27 having numerous small orifices 31 therein. The pipe is connected to the end of the outlet pipe 24 and extends transversely across the upper end of the tank 20. An aperture 30, formed in the wall of the softener tank in alignment with the axis of thepipe 27, receives an annular boss 29 which in turn receives a closure plug 28. The plug 28 carries a projecting tubular section 27HL which, when the parts are assembled, eX- tends inwardly of the tank into substantial abutment with the end of thepipe 27. The section 27a carries a tubular screen 32 of relatively fine mesh arranged to fit snugly about the strainer pipe 27. In consequence of this construction, the strainer may be cleaned by merely unscrewing the plug 28 to remove the screen 32 from the tank.

One of the features of the present invention is the provision of 4a single means for controlling the operation ofthe softening system. In accomplishing this, a ,valve generally designated33 (Figs. 1, 2, and 3) is provided which has a single operating member or handle 34. lThe valve has two operative positions, one of which controls the flow of water from a source cf supply throughl the softening tank to the distribution system, anu, in the other position, directs a flow of brine solution through the softening `tank to a drain. The valve also directs a iow of -raw water to replenish the supply of solution gated valve casing 35 having on the lower portion thereof a set of three pipe receiving nipples 36, 37, and 38 communicating respectively with the three ports 39, 40, and 4 1 positioned in substantially4 the same transverse plane in the inner wall ofthe hollow casing. A second series of three nipples 42, 43, and 44 are provided near the upper poribs tion of the valve casing immediately above 1 thelower set of nipples, and these upper nipples communicate with the second series ofl 'ports 45,46', and47, similarly formed, in the inner wall of the casing.

' Interiorly, the hollow casing is finished to receive rotatably therein a valve member 48 `which is preferably tapered in the customary :The fluid connections to the various nipples of the valve are shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and

56. Thus, 51' indicates a pipe line connected .to a source of supply of raw waternot lshown), which pipe line is connected to the upper nipple 44.- The lower nipple 38, on the vsame .-side vof the valve, receives the pipe line *5,0 52 .leading to theservice system (not shown).

On thel opposite side of the valve the pipe 423,-1which 'conducts water to the lower porrtion -of the 4softener tank 20, is connected to the upper nipple 42, while the lower nipple 36 receives adrainage pipe 53 leadingl toa suitable drain (not shown). i j

:f The third upper nipple 43 is connected to a "pipe line 54 which leads to the brine tank 22, and the corresponding lowernipple 37 the valve unit. y

Thevalve member 48 is yarranged to be set yin any one of three'positions, which may be designated for convenience as the softening positionfthe regenerating position. and the cut-olf position, .and is provided with a number of passageways therethrough which may be selectively brought into registry with various of the upper and lower ports in the valve casing to direct the flow of liquid therethrough.

= between said diametrical ports. The upper portion of the valve member 48 is provided with a passageway 55 extending diametrically therethrough and arranged to communicate, lin' this position ofthe valve, with the ports 45 and 47.

The lower portion of the valve is provided with an arcuate passageway 56 formed suhstantially in one quadrant of the valve member 48 and arranged, in this position of the valve, to connect the ports and 41. Thus,

when the valve is set inr its softening position, water from the raw .water supply pipe 51 lflows into the `valve through the port 47 and passes-.throughthe passageway 55, the port 45, which in turn is connected to the pipe 23 leading tothe lower portion of the softening tank. After. the water flows through the softening .tank itissues therefrom through the pipe 24 which communicates withthe port f 40, subsequently passing through the vvalve passageway 56,and the port 41 into the pipe line 52 leading to service. v

Now considering that the valve member has been moved through one quadrant into its regeneratingposition, as illustratedv in Figs. 11, 12, and 13) the passageway 55, in the upper-portion offthe valve, moves into registry withthe port :46 which is. connected -by the; pipe 54'tothe-brine tank. A second passageway 57, extendingdiametrically across 4the lippen-portion of. Vthe valve member 48, intersects the passageway, and-the point of interseetionfas shownjin Fig. 12, is preferably enlargedg to'formani-internal chamber 58...-, I

The part of the passageway-57., which -communicates with thehard water inlet port 47,-carries thereinl a nipple 59 having a restricted oriice- 60, and the opposedportion of the passageway- 57 which communicates with theoutlet fport to the softener tank, receives a sleeve member 61 having an enlarged outwardly tapering bore 62. lThe nipple 59 and the sleevel are so positioned that the orifice 60 and the/bore 62 aresubstantially adjacent andare :in alignment with each other to'provide, in-efect, 'a venturi within the chamber 58. `In consequencev of this arrangement, when the valve isvin the regenerating position, hard water from the supply pipe 51, in passing through the venturi to ldischarge-into lthe pipe 23 leading to the softener tank, sets up a suction within thev chamber 58 which draws a certain amount of brine from the brine tank 22 through-the connecting pipe 54 and the port 46 to provide a brine solution flowingto the softening tank for regenerating purposes.

Fig. 13 shows the lower portion of the valve, also in the regenerating position. The

Vpassageway 56 now connects the port 40, communicating by way of the pipe 24 with the upper portion of the softener tank, with the port 39 which leads, through the pipe 53, to the drain. v `herefore, the exhausted brine solution, after it has passed through the softening tank to regenerate the zeolitic mineral therein, is discharged from the system.

In this position of the valve, a vertically extending by-pass 63 in the valve member 48 is provided to connect' the hard water inlet port 47 with the outlet port to service 41, whereby during the regenerating cycle a certain amount of fresh hard water is bypassed-'through the valve into the pipe line 52 leading to service, thus providing an uninterrupted supply of water in the service .system during` the. regenerating cycle.

The` cut-olf Aposition of the valve, in' this embodiment, is substantiallv intermediate the softening and regenerating positions thereof, wherein, assshown in Figs. 8 and 10, cer- Av-therefore, that-it is' `only necessary for the operator lto :move the valve operating member 34 fromv oneindicated' position 'to' another'in Eorder'-to-direct the flow fof'water through the system for either of the cycles of operation.

the regenerating cycle, lbrine is withdrawn from the" brine` tan'kf by means of the Venturi action withint'he valve. In order that the brine solution in the tank may be of constantl strength,=which preferably lis a comvpletelyi saturae'ffsolution, the brine tank is charged Vwith -a "relatively large quantity of* salt crystals, which are covered with water maintained iat a substantiallv constant level. Preferably," thebrinev Tolution is withdrawn :from a point near the bottom of the brine tank and for this'tpurposethe pipe line 54, connecting thel brine tank and the valve 33, extends inwardly ofthe. brine tank to a point substantially near `the center' thereof and is 'there connected to a depending pipe 66, the lower open end of'which is positioned adj acent the bottom of the brine tank. Preferably, a suitable strainer 66a prevents foreign matter from passing from the brine tank into the system.

During the process of regenerating the zeolitic mineral, it is known that the quantity of brine solutionrequired to return the zeolite to its origina-l condition is directly proportional tothe amount-of zeolite in the softening tank. Vith 'this inview,the present linvention provides a simple means for measuring a predetermined quantity of brine which may be withdrawn from lthe tankduring regenerating cycle, and which positlvely stops further flow ofthe brine after said predetermined quantity has been 'withdrawn from the brine tank.

In this embodiment. see Figs. 1,- 3, 16 and 17, this means is in the form of a valve 67 interposed in the pipe 66 and arranged to be controlled by a float means 68. The valve comprises anelongated tubular valve casing 69 having pipe receiving nipples 70 at the opposite ends thereof. Forconvenience, the casing may be formed in'two sections which are screw threaded together, as at 71, vin order to facilitate assembly of f' the valve. Substantially centrally, the valve casing is provided with a transverse partition 72 having a central opening therein throughwhich a valve stem 7 3 extends. Near'the opposite ends of the valve casing are transverse guide members 74 which are centrally bored to receive and guide the opposite ends of the valve stem 73.

A pair of valve members V75, `75", in the form of fiat `disks of leather or the like, and of suchjsize as tol close the central opening in the partition 72, are carried `by the valve stem on opposite sides of the partition 72 so that longitudinal movement of the-valve Stein 7 3 to an extreme position in either `vdirection positions one or the other ofthe valve' members in closing abutment lagainst-the central opening 4'in the partition. If desired, the margin about the central opening in the partition may be raised :and finishedI to provide a smooth valve seat 76, 7 6a on each side of the partition. At a point below the lower one :of the valve members 75, the valve stem is somewhat enlarged as at 81, which enlarged portion is transversely slotted as at 82. The valve casing 69 is lformed with alaterally extending tubular boss 77 (Fig. 16) through which a shaft 78 extends into the interior of the valve, a suitable packing gland 79 being provided to prevent leakage therethrough. The shaft 78 forms part' of a crank having an inner short arm80 (Fig. 17) and the relative disposition of parts is such that the end of the arm 80 may engage the slot 82 in the valve stem 73. The external end of the shaft 78 carries an elongated crank arm 83 extending in the opposite direction from the arm 80 on the other end of the shaft and carrying the float member 68. Thus, as the float member 68 follows the variation of liquid level in the brine tank, the arm 8O also moves up or down Within the valve casing.

In considering the operation of the valve 67, it will be observed that the slot 82, in the valve stem, is of such width as to provide a lost motion connection between the valve stem and the arm 80, thus permitting a limited independent movement of the .valvel stem rela` tive to the arm. Starting with the assumption that a regenerating cycle has just been completed, and that the normal liquid level in the brine tank has been lowered by the withdrawal of brine` therefrom, the float, in following the level of the liquid, has swung the arm 80 upwardly to bring the lower one 75a of the valve members against the lower valve seat 7 6al to prevent further flow of brine from the brine tank.

Movement of the operating valve handle 34, from the salt to the'soft position, moves the valve member 48 of the main control valve into the position shown in Fig. 7, in which the hard water from the supply main passes directly through the valve. During the passage of the water therethrough a certain ing cycle.

amount is deflected or by-passed through the sleeve section 61 of the venturi, thence through the port 46 vand pipe 54 leading to the brine tank. The pressure of the water thus deiiected is sufficient to unseat the valve member 7 5al whereby water is by-passed into the brine tank through the valve to replenish the supply of brine which has been previously withdrawn therefrom during the regenerat- The initial opening movement of the valve member 7 5a is, of course, limited by the engagement of the upper side of the slot 82 with the arm 80, which engagement is yieldingly maintained as the float 68 rises in following the liquid level in the brine tank. Thus, the tendency of the valve to close, under the effect of the incoming water, is retarded until the float reaches the predetermined high level. As soon as the valve has closed, the water pressure in the system maintains the valve member 75 in abutment with the valve seat 76, and further by-passing of water into the brine tank is prevented.

When the control valve is once more moved into the regenerating position, the water pressure on the upper valve member 7 5 is immediately released, and in its stead, the venturi 'in the main valve creates a suction of suicient strength to unseat the upper valve member 75 and permit brine to flow from the brine tank. The engagement of the float arm 80 and the slot 82 operates to retard a too rapid seating of the valve member 7 5a on the seat 7 6a in precisely the same manner as in the reverse operation, except that the arm 80 is in engagement with the lower side of the slot 82 during this movement of the valve member.

It will be apparent, therefore, that the amount of brine which 4may be withdrawn from the tank during any regenerating cycle may be accurately determined by calculating the volume of the brine solution between the upper and lowerv levels designated by the float. Consequently, by predetermining the amount of solution necessary to complete a regenerative cycle, and'then by determining the proportionate length of the iioat arm .83

to the valve operating arm 80, the valve may be accurately adjusted to permit only a required amount of liquid to be -withdrawn from the brine tank. Obviously, only a similar amount of water may enter the tank through the valve during the initial portion of the softening cycle.

Brieiy recapitulating the operation of the entire softening system, with reference to the cycle, the operator moves the valve member 34 from the regenerating position to the softening position thereof. Hard water entering the `valve 33 is discharged into the bottom of the softening tank through the distributing coil 25, and flows uniformly upwardly through the Water softening bed of Zeolites. The softened Water is then strained and reenters the valve to be discharged into the service system. At the same time, a certain portion of the hard water entering the valve is directed into the brine tank until the solution therein has reached its normal level, when the valve 67 closes to prevent further flow of water thereinto.

No further attention to the softening system is necessary until the Zeolitic mineral has become exhausted, and regeneration thereof becomes necessary. The operator thereupon moves the lvalve operating handle to the regenerating position. The hard water continues to flow into the softening tank but now passes through the venturi, thereby opening the valve 67 and withdrawing brine solution from the brine tank. Inasmuch as the strength of the 'brine solution used `in regenerating zeolite is an important factor in attaining the highest efliciency of regeneration, the Venturi tube is so constructed that the amount of brine solution drawn into and mixed with the hard water stream is proportional to the. amount of Water in the hard Water stream so as to produce the desired strength of brine solution. Moreover the size of the passageways through the venturi are predetermined so that the velocity of iiow to the softening tank is maintained at the speed most eiiicient for regenerating puroses. p The diluted brine solution from the valve flows through and revives the exhausted zeolite, and returns to the main control valve which directs the iow thereof to drainage. The regenerating cycle continues in this man-ner until the predetermined amount of brine solution has been withdrawn from the brine tank, as determined by the shuttingoff of the brine flow by the brine control' valve 67, after which, of course, only hard water is delivered to the softening tank. Thus, without attention on the part of the operator, a predetermined amount of brine solution passes through the zeolite bed and is then immediately supplanted by a flow of fresh water which Washes the, zeolite bed to remove every trace of the brine solutionremaining therein. As soon as all traces of thebrine solution have been removed therefrom, as may be determined by making the usual tests, the regenerating cycle is complete and the valve may be once more returned toits softening position. During the entire regenerating cycle the by-pass 63 in the valve has diverted a flow of ha-rd water from' the supply main to the service system so that let connected to the bottom of the service system is not disconnected during the regeneratingl cycle.

We claim as our invention:

1. A water" softening apparatus comprisinein combination, a softening tank having a d of zeolites therein, ay source of brine solution, a valve havingaraw water inlet connected with a source of raw water, said valve also having a soft water outlet connected to service, a raw water outlet connected -to the softening tank, a soft water inlet connected with the softening tank, a brine solution inlet connected to the source of brine solution and communicating withsaidv raw water outlet, and a waste outlet' to drainage, land means controlling the flow of fluid through said inlets and outlets. v o

2. A water softening apparatus comprising, in combination, a softening tank having a bed of zeolites therein, a source of supply of *brine solution, avalve having a raw water inlet connected with a source of vraw water supply, said valve also having a soft water outlet connected toservice, a raw water outlet connected to the softening tank, a brine solution inlet connected to the source of brine solution, and awaste outlet to drainage, and a valve member in said valve havin in one position' thereof passageways connecting said raw water inlet ,and outlet,fand said soft water inlet and outletfand in another position thereof havin passageways connecting said raw water i et and outlet, said brine solution inlet and the raw water flow, ,said soft waterinlet and said outlet to waste, and van injector carried by said valve member for movement into the ath of saidlraw water iow adjacent said rine solution inlet for injecting brine solution into the raw water flow through said brine solution inlet.'

. A water softening apparatus comprisingZ5 in combination, asoftening tank having a d ofzeolites therein, a source of supply i of'brine'solution, a valve having a raw water inlet connected with al source of raw water suplply, said 'valve also having a soft water. out et connected to service, a raw water outthe softening tank, 'a soft water inlet connected with the top ofthe softening tank, a brine solution inlet connected to the source of brine solution, and awaste outlet to drainage, and a valve vvmember in said valve having in one position thereof passa eways connecting said raw water inlet an outlet, and said soft water inlet and outlet,land in another position thereof having other passageways connectin said raw water inlet and outlet,.and said, rine solution inlet and raw water `outlet,.and said softwaterinlet and waste outlet, said valve .member-further having'a by-pass therein connecting said raw water ,inletand said soft -close said valve as said float actuate and said soft water inlet and outlet, and in .another position thereof to connect said raw water inletI and outlet, said brine solution inlet and said raw` water outlet, and said soft water inlet and waste outlet, and uid connections forsupplying rliw waterl to said 'l valve, for conveying softened water to service, for connecting said valve with said softening tank, and for connecting said valve with said source of brine solution.

5. In a water softenin apparatus, thecombination of a brine ta a pipe connection leading from said brine tank, and a float valve interposed in said pipe connection for ,controlling the How of fluid in either direction therethrough', said valve comprisingw.

float actuated arm movable in accordance 'fwith the variations of liquid level in said tank, and a pair of valve members connected to said oat'actuated arm and arran d to arm reaches a predetermined upper or lower limit.

6. In a water softenin apparatus, the

combination of a brine tan a ipe connection leading from said brine tan and a oat valve interposed in said pipe connection for controlling the flow of iuid in either direction therethrou h, said valve comprising a casing connecte at opposite ends to said pipe connection, an internal wall in said casing'.

having a valve port therein, a pair of valve members positioned one on either side of said ort, means for moving said valve members ib bring one or the other thereof into closing engagement with said port, and a iioat actuated arm operatively connected to said means.

7. -A water softening apparatus comprising, in combination, a softening tank having a d of zeolites therein, a source of supply of brine solution, a valve having a raw water 'inlet connected with a source of raw water supply,said valve also having a soft water outlet connected to service, a raw water outlet connected to the softening tank, a brine position thereof passageways connecti said raw water 'inlet and outle and sai soft Vwater'mlet and outlet, and m another, position thereof havin'g passageways connecting i said raw water inlet and outlet, said brine solution inlet and the raw Water ilow, said soft water inlet and said outlet to Waste, and a sectional injector associated with said valve and having at least one section mounted on said valve member for movement thereby into the path of raw. Water flow adjacent to the brine solution inlet for inducting brine solution into the raw Water flow through said brine solution inlet.

In testimony whereof We have hereunto affixed our signatures. l

ERNEST T. WAHLBOM.

LEROY C. LIND. PHILIP C. WAHLBOM. 

